Turning Points 2000 Design Elements "Ensure Success for Every Student"	This We Believe Characteristics
1. Teaching a curriculum grounded in standards, relevant to adolescents' concerns, and based on how students learn best; and use a mix of assessment methods.	Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory Multiple learning and teaching approaches that respond to their diversity Assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning Students and teachers engaged in active learning
2. Use Instructional methods that prepare all students to achieve high standards.	Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory Multiple learning and teaching approaches that respond to their diversity Assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning Students and teachers engaged in active learning
3. Organize relationships for learning.	Educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so Courageous, collaborative leadership A shared vision that guides decisions Multifaceted guidance and support services. Organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning
4. Govern democratically, involving all school staff members.	Courageous, collaborative leadership A shared vision that guides decisions An adult advocate for every student School-initiated family and community partnership. School-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety Multifaceted guidance and support services.
5. Staff middle grades schools with teachers who are expert at teaching young adolescents, and engage teachers in ongoing professional development.	Educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so Courageous, collaborative leadership
6. Provide a safe and healthy school environment.	Educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so An inviting, supportive, and safe environment An adult advocate for every student School-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety Multifaceted guidance and support services.
7. Involved parents and communities in supporting student learning and healthy development.	School-initiated family and community partnership. High expectations for every member of the learning community A shared vision that guides decisions

National Middle School Association BELIEVES.....
SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS for young adolescent are characterized by a culture that includes

• Educators who value working with this age group and are prepared to do so
• Courageous, collaborative leadership
• A shared vision that guides decisions
• An inviting, supportive, and safe environment
• High expectations for every member of the learning community
• Students and teachers engaged in active learning
• An adult advocate for every student
• School-initiated family and community partnership.

THEREFORE, successful schools for young adolescents PROVIDE

• Curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory
• Multiple learning and teaching approaches that respond to their diversity
• Assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning
• Organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning
• School-wide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness, and safety
• Multifaceted guidance and support services.